Day 17

The next day Pete brought selfmade muffins with him to the STEM building. He had initially made them for Melissa’s birthday but she had gotten sick overnight (after partying too hard and drinking too much) so she won’t be able to eat them. “Don’t let them go to waste. Let these muffins be my wingman spirit.” But when Pete arrived he saw Derek sitting at the table with the guys from last time. Leo was gesturing wildly and the whole table erupted into loud laughter. It’s not Derek who has no friends and needs someone to sit with him. It’s me. Without Melissa Pete was all alone. He was about to leave again when Derek caught sight of him. He waved at him to come closer. Pete took a deep breath and put on a careful smile. As soon as he approached them the table quieted down. Then something incredible happened. “This is Peter.” Derek said and took his hand to lead him towards the free seat next to him. “He’s my neighbour and friend.” Leo examined him through squinted eyes and then welcomed him with a warm smile. “Hi Peter, I’m Leo. Sorry for being so harsh yesterday but some people here are real jerks.” “Yeah no problem. I actually thought you were going to be one.” They both laughed it off and then the rest of the group introduced themselves as well.

Almost right before the end of their break Pete noticed that he still had the muffins. “For you.” He said and handed them Derek. “I- I mean they were for Mel but she’s sick and I thought that since you eat so little and they are really tasty and sweet I could bring them to you and of course you can share them I think there’s enough for everyone.” Pete bit down on his lip. He hated that rambling was one of his nervous habits. Derek’s friends were all cool and friendly but he’d spend almost twenty minutes with a bunch of strangers, listening to conversations he couldn’t join, only to be close to Derek. He was exhausted and his social battery drained. “Thank you, Peter. Do you want to go out for a smoke?” Pete wanted to turn to Derek in disbelief and explain that he still hates the smell when he saw the soft expression on Derek’s face. And behind that smile he found a layer of worry. Of course. He remembers that I have social anxiety. He's helping me escape.

“Yeah,” Pete whispered and got up slowly. “That would be nice.” He noticed that Derek was still holding his hand but didn’t mention it in fear of him letting go. They walked outside and as soon as the door closed and they were out of sight Pete took a deep breath. “Thank you.” “You didn’t have to stay. I could see that you weren’t comfortable, I’m sure they’ve noticed it, too.” “I wasn’t uncomfortable, your friends are nice, it was just… too much. I don’t have any friends beside Melissa, I’m not used to groups of people, especially when I don’t know them. It makes me nervous.” Derek played with the lighter in his hands. He didn’t take out his cigarettes. He wouldn’t smoke in front of Pete. “About that second date you mentioned,” Derek began and Pete’s eyes lit up. “Yes?” “Would you like to watch a movie at my place this Friday?”